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Remote Pilot Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Libertyville, IL - Remote Description: We are seeking a highly motivated Sales Engineer (Chemical ... § Support pilot testing, system startups, and on-site technical fieldwork as needed. § ...

Eligibility for remote work on Fridays is at the discretion of management and subject to business ... Lead the department's AI strategy - identifying, piloting, and scaling AI tools and platforms that ...

Libertyville, IL - Remote Description: We are seeking a highly motivated Sales Engineer (Chemical ... § Support pilot testing, system startups, and on-site technical fieldwork as needed. § ...

Senior Sales Engineer

Libertyville, IL · On-site +1

$18.70 - $38.70/hr

Libertyville, IL - Remote Description: We are seeking a highly motivated Sales Engineer (Chemical ... § Support pilot testing, system startups, and on-site technical fieldwork as needed. § ...

Remote Flexibility: Enjoy the flexibility of a fully remote role, with optional collaboration space ... Research, recommend, and pilot channels such as geofencing, retargeting platforms, listing ...

Showing results 21-40

Remote Pilot information

See Illinois salary details

$48K

$126.9K

$194.8K

How much do remote pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote pilot in Illinois is $126,861.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,900.00 and $150,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Pilot, you need strong spatial awareness, technical understanding of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and typically a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA (Part 107 in the U.S.). Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and drone-specific hardware is often required. Excellent situational awareness, communication, and problem-solving skills set outstanding remote pilots apart. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant drone operations across diverse environments.

What is the difference between Remote Pilot vs Drone Operator?

AspectRemote PilotDrone Operator
CertificationsFAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateOften holds similar certifications, but may not be required to operate commercially
Work EnvironmentTypically responsible for flight planning, safety, and compliance; may oversee multiple dronesPrimarily focuses on operating drones during missions or shoots
Industry UsageUsed across industries like surveying, agriculture, filmmaking, and inspectionCommonly used in filming, photography, and recreational activities

The main difference is that a Remote Pilot holds specific certifications and oversees drone operations, ensuring safety and compliance, while a Drone Operator primarily focuses on flying drones during specific tasks. Both roles are integral in industries utilizing drone technology, but the Remote Pilot often has broader responsibilities and regulatory knowledge.

What are some common challenges remote pilots face when operating drones for commercial purposes?

Remote Pilots often encounter challenges such as maintaining strong situational awareness when flying drones beyond visual line of sight, navigating complex airspace regulations, and ensuring safe operations in changing weather conditions. Additionally, balancing real-time communication with team members, such as visual observers or project managers, is crucial for successful missions. Staying current with technology updates and regulatory changes is also essential for continued success in this fast-evolving field.

What is a remote pilot?

A remote pilot controls an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). As a remote pilot, your duties include flying and maintaining a drone and its systems, as well as remaining up-to-date on all FAA regulations regarding UAVs. To become a remote pilot, you must be at least 16 years old, be physically capable of handling a drone, and pass an FAA certification exam to demonstrate your knowledge and ability to manage the risks of flight. Career pilots must also be certified to handle unmanned aerial vehicles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Remote Pilot jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Remote Pilot job openings:
Infographic showing various Remote Pilot job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,861 per year, or $61 per hour.

Senior Forward Deployed Software Engineer (FDE)

Zebra Technologies

Lincolnshire, IL • On-site, Remote

$129K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Zebra Technologies rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

82nd of 156 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Overview:

At Zebra, we are a community of innovators who come together to create new ways of working. United by curiosity and a culture of caring, we develop smart solutions that anticipate our customer's and partner's needs and solve their challenges.

Being part of Zebra Nation means you are seen, heard, valued, and respected. Drawing from our unique perspectives, we collaborate to deliver on our purpose. Here you are part of a team pushing boundaries today to redefine the work of tomorrow for organizations, their employees, and those they serve.

You'll have opportunities to learn and lead in a forward-thinking environment, defining your path to a fulfilling career while channeling your skills toward causes you care about-locally and globally.

Come make an impact every day at Zebra.

What We're Looking For:

Spearheads complex deployments of software, architects customized enterprise-grade cloud and android solutions, and works directly with key enterprise customers to resolve high-stakes technical challenges, deployments and drive product success. In this customer-facing role, leverages deep frontline experience to heavily influence internal engineering teams, driving the architectural vision and development of core solutions that proactively address complex customer pain points.
Analyzes, designs, develops, and maintains software solutions for the organization's products and systems. Leads system integration of software and hardware to ensure consistent performance and program reliability. Develops, validates, and tests software functionality and user documentation. Work is evaluated upon completion to ensure objectives and quality standards are met. Determines and develops innovative approaches to solve complex problems, leveraging technical expertise and industry best practices.
This role requires a minimum of 3-days per week in either our Holtsville, NY (preferred location) or Lincolnshire, IL office, 2 days remote (US)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Establishes requirements for moderately complex software design projects
  • Prioritizes features to ensure the most impactful are implemented first
  • Leads and participates in code reviews, proactively identifying and addressing issues early in the development process
  • Completes all phases of moderately complex software design and development projects, including in process and final inspections to meet quality standards
  • Develops and tests comprehensive documentation to support software projects, including design specifications, code comments, and user manuals
  • Explores and applies the latest technologies and innovative approaches to enhance software designs and implementations
  • Reviews and refines existing software or firmware designs, identifying opportunities for optimization and improvement
  • Provides recommendations and solutions to technical problems, leveraging expertise across multiple technical domains
  • May develop custom tools or scripts to streamline analysis, debugging, or problem solving processes
  • Exercises sound judgment in selecting methods and techniques to deliver effective solutions to complex problems
  • Works with minimal supervision, receiving general guidance on new assignments and strategic objectives
  • Provides mentorship and guidance to junior level personnel, including both exempt and non-exempt team members
  • Builds strong professional networks with senior internal and external stakeholders, frequently engaging in inter-organizational and customer-focused discussions

Forward Deployment Responsibilities:

  • Enterprise Pilot Strategy & Deployment:
    Lead the hands-on deployment, technical development and validation of Zebra's Android and cloud-based solutions during high-stakes customer pilots. Conduct technical workshops, customize and guide the seamless roll-out of devices and software into live, mission-critical operations.
  • Customer Workflow Optimization & Architecture Review:
    Act as a key technical consultant by reviewing real-world customer workflows, system use cases, and deployment environments. Analyze the customer's end-to-end software architecture to identify integration bottlenecks and ensure Zebra solutions fit seamlessly within their ecosystem.
  • Hands-on Design, Code, & Troubleshooting:
    Develop, diagnose, debug, and troubleshoot complex software and device-level issues directly in the field. Actively review, design, and write high-quality code (spanning local Android to backend cloud integrations) to rapidly deploy stable, scalable solutions.
  • Android & Cloud Solution Integration:
    Bridge the requirements gap in device-side Android applications and cloud solutions. Ensure secure connectivity, robust API integrations, and smooth data exchange between Zebra mobile devices, cloud backends, and existing third-party enterprise databases.
  • AI-Assisted Efficiency:
    Incorporate modern, Zebra-approved AI coding tools (such as Claude Code) to accelerate troubleshooting, write efficient code, and optimize application performance.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree required
  • Minimum 5+ years of relevant software engineering experience OR 3+ years of experience with an Advanced Degree
  • Professional software engineering experience specializing in full-stack cloud solutions required.
  • A demonstrated ability to proactively take initiative in diagnosing bugs and writing real-time code to resolve complex challenges required.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Advanced degree preferred
  • Communication:Proven ability to articulate technical concepts and use cases clearly to both engineering teams and non-technical customer stakeholders.
  • AI Adaptation:A forward-thinking mindset with an enthusiasm for leveraging AI-assisted development tools to optimize coding speed and output quality.
Technology Skills
  • Backend:Java, Spring Boot, Hibernate, Node.js
  • Frontend:JavaScript (ReactJS)
  • Cloud & Tools:Google Cloud (GCP), Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD, Microservices
  • Databases:MySQL, PostgreSQL, Firebase
  • AI Tools:GitHub Copilot, Cursor, or Claude Code
  • Preferred:Android Development (Android SDK, Kotlin/Java)
Key Skills and Competencies:
  • Proficient in multiple programming languages and software development frameworks
  • Strong understanding of software architecture, design patterns, system-level programming, and adopting GenAI in Software Development Lifecycle
  • Experience with software testing strategies, debugging tools, and performance optimization techniques Ability to evaluate and integrate new technologies into existing software solutions
  • Strong problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges
  • Proficiency with version control systems (e.g., Git, GitHub) and familiarity with CI/CD pipelines
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to mentor and influence junior team members
  • Experience working with cross-functional teams and engaging with external customers or stakeholders
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently while effectively managing multiple priorities
  • Backend:Java, Spring Boot, Node.js (Express/NestJS)
  • Frontend:JavaScript, TypeScript, ReactJS
  • Cloud & Tools:Multi-Cloud (GCP, AWS, or Azure), Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines, Microservices architecture
  • Databases:Relational (MySQL/PostgreSQL), NoSQL (MongoDB), Data Warehousing (BigQuery)
  • AI Assisted Development:GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Claude Code, or equivalent AI coding assistants
  • Advanced Android Development (Android SDK, Kotlin/Java)
Travel Requirements: Up to 25%

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Zebra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability and protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law. If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance in applying for a position, please contact us at workplace.accommodations@zebra.com.

Know Your Rights:

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf

Conozca sus Derechos:

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRightsSp_10_20.pdf

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation at workplace.accommodations@zebra.com .

Pay Range:

$96,800.00 - $145,200.00 Annual

Incentive Compensation:

In addition to base pay, Zebra offers this role the opportunity to earn a performance-based annual cash incentive, at a target equal to 10% of base pay, in accordance with the terms of the applicable incentive plan.

Zebra Total Rewards:

Zebra Total Rewards includes more than just pay and is structured to meet the needs of our changing global business and evolving talent. We are committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is comprehensive and competitive - including healthcare, wellness, inclusion networks, and continued learning and development offerings. We offer community service days, in addition to the traditional insurances, compensation, parental leave, employee assistance program and paid time off offerings depending on the country where you work.

Salary offered will vary depending on your location, job-related skills, knowledge, and experience.

Additionally, all Zebra roles are eligible for cash incentive programs. For example, sales roles have additional opportunity to earn substantial variable compensation tied to quota achievement. In most other roles, the Zebra annual cash incentive program links Company and individual performance together. Some roles may also be eligible for long-term incentive equity awards.

Benefits:

We understand the importance of work-life balance and wellbeing, which is why we offer flexibility for our teams including: hybrid work, adaptable hours, Summer Flex Fridays, Focus Fridays, and an annual companywide well-being day to promote revitalization and success.

Job Posting Statement:

To protect candidates from falling victim to online fraudulent activity involving fake job postings and employment offers, please be aware our recruiters will always connect with you via @zebra.com email accounts. Applications are only accepted through our applicant tracking system and only accept personal identifying information through that system. Our Talent Acquisition team will not ask for you to provide personal identifying information via e-mail or outside of the system. If you are a victim of identity theft contact your local police department.

AI Technology Statement:

Zebra Technologies leverages AI technology to evaluate job applications using objective, job-relevant criteria. This approach enhances efficiency and promotes fairness in the hiring process. However, every decision regarding interviews and hiring is made by our dedicated team, because we believe people make the best decisions about people. For more on how we use technology in hiring and how we process applicant data, see our Zebra Privacy Policy.


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